Nursing Home User-Fee Program Must be Repealed After reading the article "State increase in rates leaves patients in dire straits" which appeared in The Sunday Sun, I felt compelled to address this outrageous tax on our senior citizens. As your article pointed out, in 2002 Massachusetts started taxing nursing home patients who pay for private care without public assistance. This outrageous tax started at $9.70 per day for each patient and is now $19.17 per day, thanks to the recent actions of our tax-and-spend governor, Deval Patrick. I am astounded that such a tax was ever allowed to be created, and even more astounded that this tax was just increased more than 65 percent. Even more astonishing is that only $15 of the $19.17 daily tax is going back to the system, while the other $4.17 is being used to fund other areas in the bloated state budget. What I find troubling is that senior citizens who were able to save money to pay for care, didn't spend off assets before entering a nursing facility and are not on taxpayer assistance are being punished for being independent and for not using taxpayer funds for their care. What message is Beacon Hill sending to Massachusetts residents? Don't try to do the right thing, don't save for your own care, don't be private-payer, but do rely on public assistance for your health needs. This nursing home fee is an insult to senior citizens, to the loving families of senior citizens, and to all taxpayers throughout the state of Massachusetts. As state representative, I will file legislation to repeal the "nursing-home user fee program" and put an end to punishing senior citizens for doing the right thing. Marc Lombardo ### Lombardo Announces Candidacy for State Representative BILLERICA, MA - Today, Marc Lombardo, Chairman Billerica Board of Selectmen, announced his candidacy for Massachusetts State Representative. Lombardo made the announcement after Representative William Greene, who has held the 22nd Middlesex District since 1993, announced he would be retiring and not seeking reelection. "Representative Greene’s fingerprints can be seen throughout town, including Vietnam Veterans’ Park, the public library, and the Boys and Girls club," commented Lombardo. "Bill’s dedication to the Town of Billerica deserves thanks and praise. "Today, I announce my candidacy to serve as Billerica’s next State Representative. Beacon Hill is broken with spending and taxation out of control. I will be a State Representative who puts the taxpayers first and will bring a voice of fiscal sanity back to the State House through independent leadership." Lombardo, a fiscal conservative, has served on the Board of Selectmen for the past 5 years. Through his tenure on the Board he has pushed for fiscal efficiency, reduced government spending, and lower taxes. "We need to change the culture in the State House and remind Beacon Hill that the government is here for the people, not the people for the government," said Lombardo. He continued, "I have been here for the residents of Billerica as Selectman with a vision and the courage to speak up about important issues. I will bring that same vision and courage to Boston and make sure every vote I take is in the best interest of Billerica Taxpayers." ### |